Children’s Martial Arts Classes in Basingstoke
Beginner friendly children’s Martial Arts classes in Basingstoke
Shin Gi Tai Martial Arts Academy provides beginner-friendly children’s Martial Arts classes in Basingstoke for ages 4–17. Children train in carefully structured age groups, with classes running Monday to Friday at our dedicated full-time academy near Lychpit and Old Basing. Our professionally qualified coaches are DBS checked and trained in First Aid and Safeguarding. Parents are welcome to watch from our comfortable, air-conditioned viewing areas and enjoy a complimentary hot drink while their child trains.
Find the right Martial Arts class for your child
Our classes are carefully divided by age so every child receives appropriate coaching, enjoys their training and has the best opportunity to build confidence, develop new skills and succeed.
Rising Heroes
Fun, structured classes developing confidence, listening, balance, coordination and important early learning skills.
Young Legends
Engaging Martial Arts training that develops concentration, confidence, fitness, resilience and positive friendships.
Urban Warriors
Progressive training that strengthens confidence, discipline, self-protection skills, fitness and personal responsibility.
Cadets
Challenging, supportive training that develops advanced skills, resilience, leadership and mature decision-making.
Children’s Kickboxing
An energetic full-body workout developing fitness, coordination, confidence and practical Kickboxing skills.
Family Martial Arts
Train together, share achievements and enjoy healthy, positive family time while learning valuable new skills.
Why Basingstoke parents choose Martial Arts training for their Children…
It’s fun, exciting and dynamic!
At Shin Gi Tai Martial Arts Academy, our children’s Martial Arts classes in Daneshill, just on the edge of Lychpit and Old Basing, are designed to help children develop confidence, focus, resilience and respect while having fun and making new friends.
Whether your child lacks confidence, struggles to concentrate, gives up easily or simply needs a positive activity to channel their energy, our experienced coaches help children grow both on and off the mats.
For over 35 years, families across Basingstoke have trusted us to provide safe, structured Martial Arts training that develops character as well as physical skills.
In the Martial Arts classes at our Basingstoke club, your children will not only learn self defence and self protection skills through their practice of Karate, Kung Fu, Kickboxing, or Judo. They will learn so much more from our highly trained coaches, who are specialists in teaching Martial Arts classes for children and understanding how to help them succeed.
Martial Arts training for Kids with us is different, it’s fun, it’s exciting, it’s dynamic and as a life skill is invaluable. Teaching focus and discipline in all areas of life along with some very useful physical skills.
Are beginner Martial Art classes right for your child?
One of the questions many Basingstoke parents ask themselves before trying Martial Arts is, “Will my child fit in?” The truth is that there isn’t a “typical” Shin Gi Tai student.
Some children arrive bursting with confidence and energy, while others are quiet, shy or reluctant to step outside their comfort zone. Some need help developing focus and resilience, while others simply want to make new friends and learn something exciting.
Our children’s Martial Arts classes in Basingstoke, in walking distance to Chineham, are designed to meet children where they are and help them become the very best version of themselves. Through patient coaching, encouragement and structured progression, we create an environment where every child feels welcomed, supported and able to succeed at their own pace.
✔ Need more confidence
✔ Need help developing focus and listening skills
✔ Lack resilience when things become difficult
✔ Want to make new friends
✔ Have lots of energy to channel positively
✔ Have experienced bullying
✔ Enjoy learning new skills
✔ Want to improve fitness and coordination
✔ Simply want to have fun.
Ready to see if Shin Gi Tai is right for your child?
Come and experience the confidence building benefits of Martial Arts in a safe, welcoming and beginner friendly environment. There’s absolutely no obligation to join, it’s simply an opportunity to discover whether we’re the right fit for you.
Why parents choose Shin Gi Tai Martial Arts
Dynamic, engaging and packed with fun, our children’s Martial Arts classes help children aged 4 – 17 develop confidence, discipline, resilience and practical self defence skills in a safe and supportive environment. Through expert Karate, Kickboxing and Martial Arts coaching, we don’t just teach children how to kick and punch, we help them build the confidence to believe in themselves, the discipline to work hard, and the resilience to overcome life’s challenges.
✔ Among the first clubs in the UK to achieve the coveted Sport England “Safeguarding in Martial Arts” Kitemark
✔ Safe, beginner-friendly children’s Martial Arts classes designed for children of all abilities, personalities and confidence levels
✔ Age-specific programmes, allowing your child to train alongside others of a similar age, experience and stage of development
✔ Structured progression with clear goals, regular belt gradings and opportunities for personal growth at every stage of their journey
✔ Over 250 years of combined professional coaching experience across our highly qualified coaching team
✔ More than 100 students successfully guided from White Belt to Black Belt through our proven teaching system
✔ A family-run Martial Arts academy with a welcoming community and supportive culture where both children and parents feel they belong
✔ All coaches are professionally qualified, DBS checked, First Aid and Safeguarding trained, and committed to delivering exceptional coaching and outstanding care for every child.
Many parents first bring their child to us because they’re shy, anxious, lacking confidence or struggling to find an activity where they truly belong. Months later, they often tell us the biggest change wasn’t their child’s Martial Arts ability. It was seeing them walk into school with greater confidence, speak up for themselves, make new friends and believe in what they are capable of achieving. Those moments matter far more than any coloured belt.
What our members think
Children’s long-term development
Our children’s Martial Arts classes on the edge of Chineham / Old Basing in Basingstoke are carefully divided by age and ability group, giving us the opportunity to focus on the specific developmental needs of each stage of childhood. Our approach is informed by both academic research and decades of coaching experience. After all, you wouldn’t place a 5 year old and a 13 year old together in the same school classroom and expect them to learn in exactly the same way. Children of different ages develop physically, emotionally and socially at very different rates, and their learning needs evolve as they mature.
The same is true when learning Martial Arts. Whether children are training in Karate, Taekwondo, Judo, Kung Fu or Kickboxing, the way we teach them should reflect their stage of development. Younger children benefit from activities that improve listening skills, coordination, balance and confidence through imaginative, engaging lessons. As children grow older, they become ready for greater technical detail, increased responsibility, goal setting and a deeper understanding of discipline, resilience and self-control.
By tailoring our teaching to each age group, children are more likely to enjoy their training, experience success and continue developing over the long term. Rather than simply learning techniques, they build a strong foundation of life skills that supports them at school, at home and in their relationships with others.
Our goal isn’t just to help children earn their next belt. It’s to help them grow into confident, respectful and resilient young people who believe in themselves and have the tools to thrive both on and off the mats.
Why choose Martial Arts?
With so many activities available to children in Basingstoke, it’s natural for parents to wonder whether Martial Arts is the right choice. Football, hockey, swimming, gymnastics, cheer and dance all offer valuable experiences, but Martial Arts provides something truly unique.
Every child progresses at their own pace. Rather than being selected for a team or compared solely against others, children work towards clear, achievable goals through our structured belt grading system. They learn that effort, perseverance and consistency lead to success, building confidence with every milestone they achieve.
Unlike many seasonal activities, Martial Arts is a year-round pursuit that allows children to continually develop physically, mentally and emotionally. They improve coordination, fitness and practical self-defence skills while also learning important life lessons such as respect, resilience, discipline and self-control.
For many parents, the greatest benefit isn’t the punches, kicks or coloured belts. It’s seeing their child walk a little taller, speak with greater confidence, cope better when things don’t go their way and discover that they are capable of far more than they ever believed possible.
Martial Arts isn’t just an activity. It’s an investment in your child’s future, helping them develop the character, confidence and life skills that will benefit them at school, at home and throughout adulthood.
What do we do in Karate, Kickboxing or Kung Fu classes?
Classes are structured so that we train safely. All classes include a warm up, flexibility, strength and conditioning exercises as well as a cool down at the end.
Our use of methods derived from sports science ensures that we make full use of proven, leading methods of coaching and training. Consequently, this ensures that all members can achieve their very best from their own personalised Martial Arts training. This takes into account physical differences, rates of maturation, psychology, biomechanics, physiology, nutrition as well as strength and conditioning.
The format for each class changes slightly on a weekly basis as we progress through our proven, tested curriculum. This helps to ensure that we cover all the necessary areas to help the children to further develop their skills and knowledge. Our classes are structured to encourage a ‘can do’ confident attitude in all the children we teach. It is our job as educators to work with parents to make sure your children are successful, not just in our Martial Arts classes, but in life in general.
In our view all children’s activities should teach both physical skills and personal development. We achieve this by showing children that hard work means achievement and achievement means success and helping them to understand and shape their personal core values.
Earning new belts
Members are also able to take part in regular examinations within our Martial Arts club in Basingstoke or at our satellite schools. This allows them to earn their next belt, all the way to Black Belt in a transparent and fair way with family members observing the grading.
Our senior grading examiners have been qualified to conduct Black Belt gradings since 1993. During this time they have carried out many successful gradings in diverse Martial Arts such as Karate, Kickboxing and Kung Fu.
What our members think
Children’s Martial Arts FAQs for Basingstoke Parents
Here are answers to the questions parents most frequently ask about our children’s Martial Arts classes in Basingstoke. If you would like to discuss your child’s individual needs, our coaching team will be happy to help.
What age can children start Martial Arts in Basingstoke?
Children can start at Shin Gi Tai Martial Arts Academy from four years old.
Our Rising Heroes programme is specifically designed for children aged 4–6. Lessons use enjoyable, structured activities to develop balance, coordination, listening, confidence and self-control.
Children do not need any previous Martial Arts experience before attending.
Are Martial Arts good for shy children?
Yes. Some of the children who benefit most from Martial Arts are those who initially find unfamiliar people, new places or group activities difficult.
We do not expect a shy child to suddenly become outgoing. Our coaches help them settle gradually. Learning a new skill, answering a question or receiving recognition for their effort gives them regular opportunities to experience success.
The aim is not to change their personality. It is to help them feel confident being themselves.
Can parents watch their child’s class?
Yes. Parents and carers are welcome to watch classes at our full-time Basingstoke academy.
Our café and air-conditioned viewing areas allow you to observe our coaches and follow your child’s progress. This can be especially reassuring during the first few sessions.
Once children have settled, some parents continue watching regularly while others give their child a little more independence. Either approach is perfectly acceptable.
Are Martial Arts classes safe for children?
Safety is central to the way we teach.
Children train on specialist cushioned Martial Arts flooring. Activities are introduced progressively and adapted to the age, experience and ability of the children taking part.
Our coaches are professionally qualified, DBS checked and trained in safeguarding and first aid. Children also learn how to control their techniques, follow instructions and work responsibly with training partners.
Why do children train twice each week?
Children make better progress when their training is regular and consistent.
Martial Arts is a physical skill, much like swimming, playing an instrument or riding a bicycle. Children need opportunities to revisit what they have learned before it is forgotten.
Training twice a week helps children develop their techniques, establish friendships and become comfortable in the class. Consistency builds confidence, confidence supports progress and progress keeps children motivated.
What if my child isn’t naturally sporty?
Your child does not need to be particularly fit, flexible or coordinated before starting.
Many children prefer Martial Arts because they can progress individually without worrying about being selected for a team. We help each child improve from their own starting point rather than comparing them with the fastest or most athletic person in the class.
Our Head Coach, Bryan, did not consider himself sporty when he began Karate. Continuing to practise eventually took him from beginner to Black Belt, international competitor and professional coach. Natural ability helps, but perseverance usually wins the longer contest.
Will learning Martial Arts make my child aggressive?
No. Properly taught Martial Arts should help children develop greater control, not aggression.
Children learn that Martial Arts skills come with responsibility. They are taught to avoid unnecessary confrontation and never use their training to bully, intimidate or show off.
Traditional values such as courtesy, discipline, humility and self-control are central to our coaching. Our goal is to develop confident young people who know when to stand up for themselves and when it is better to walk away.
Can Martial Arts help children with ADHD or additional needs?
Martial Arts is not a treatment for ADHD or any other condition, but its structure can help some children develop focus, listening, coordination, confidence and self-regulation.
Lessons use clear instructions, manageable learning steps, physical activity and regular positive feedback.
Every child is different. We encourage parents to tell us about any additional needs or helpful strategies before the first class. This allows our coaches to consider appropriate adjustments and recommend the most suitable programme.
What happens in Rising Heroes classes for 4–6 year olds?
Rising Heroes introduces younger children to Martial Arts through short, engaging activities designed for their stage of development.
Lessons help children improve balance, coordination, agility, spatial awareness and other fundamental movement skills. Children also practise listening, taking turns, following instructions and working with others.
The emphasis is on confidence, movement and enjoyment rather than technical perfection. Rising Heroes children do not spar with one another.
What do children learn in Young Legends classes for 6–9 year olds?
Young Legends builds on the fundamental physical and social skills developed during early childhood.
Lessons combine Karate, Kung Fu and age-appropriate Martial Arts activities to improve coordination, fitness, concentration, flexibility, agility and technical ability.
We also explore confidence, perseverance, respectful behaviour, online safety and age-appropriate approaches to bullying and personal safety.
What do children learn in Urban Warriors classes for 10–13 year olds?
Urban Warriors is designed for children who are ready for greater technical detail, physical challenge and personal responsibility.
Students develop their Karate and Kung Fu skills while learning more about practical self-protection, decision-making, fitness, discipline and controlled partner work.
Training also provides a positive community where young people can challenge themselves, develop resilience and build friendships.
What is the Cadets programme for 14–17 year olds?
Cadets provides older teenagers with a structured route towards more advanced Martial Arts training.
The programme develops fitness, technical skill, self-protection, emotional control, confidence and personal responsibility. Students can examine why techniques work and develop a deeper understanding of movement, tactics and decision-making.
Teenagers are encouraged to take greater responsibility for their equipment, attendance and progress. Opportunities may also be available to develop leadership, competition or coaching skills.
Do you offer children’s Kickboxing in Basingstoke?
Yes. We provide Chinese Kickboxing classes for children and teenagers who want to develop their striking skills, fitness and confidence.
Students learn footwork, punches, kicks, combinations, pad work and defensive movement in a properly supervised environment.
Children are taught to work safely with training partners and to understand that their skills must be used responsibly. Beginners do not need previous experience or a high level of fitness.
Can parents and children train together?
Yes. Our Family Martial Arts class gives parents and children an opportunity to train together.
It is a positive way to share an activity, improve fitness and develop new skills as a family. Parents do not need any previous Martial Arts experience, and everyone can work at an appropriate level.
What if my child isn’t as good as the other children?
Children are not expected to arrive already talented.
Some learn movements quickly, while others need more time, repetition or encouragement. We measure progress against each child’s own starting point rather than comparing them with other students.
Success might mean remembering a difficult sequence, joining in without a parent, working confidently with a partner or continuing to try when something feels challenging.
Children develop at different rates. What matters is that they feel supported and make steady progress.
Why are your children’s classes divided by age?
A four-year-old and a seventeen-year-old have very different physical, emotional and educational needs.
Dividing classes into age groups allows our coaches to adjust the language, activities, lesson pace and technical expectations appropriately.
Younger children need shorter tasks that develop listening and fundamental movement. Older students can manage more complex techniques, detailed coaching and greater responsibility.
As children mature, they move into the next programme and discover new challenges rather than simply repeating the same class for years.
Why do you teach traditional Martial Arts values?
The value of Martial Arts goes far beyond learning physical techniques.
Traditional Karate and Kung Fu place great importance on respect, courage, discipline, honesty, humility and self-control. We use these principles to help children understand how a Martial Artist should behave both inside and outside the academy.
Listening carefully, looking after equipment, supporting training partners and persevering when something is difficult all help build character.
How does the Martial Arts belt system work?
Children follow a structured syllabus with clear goals at each stage.
During a grading, students demonstrate the techniques, knowledge and personal development expected for their current level. Our senior examiners apply consistent standards while recognising that children develop physically at different rates.
Belts provide visible milestones, but they are not simply rewards for attending. Children learn that meaningful progress comes from practice, effort, perseverance and responding positively to coaching.
How do I arrange a free taster class?
Before making any commitment, we invite your child to experience an appropriate class at our Basingstoke academy.
They will meet the coaches, join children of a similar age and take part in a normal lesson. Parents are welcome to watch, ask questions and see how our coaching team works.
The taster allows your child to discover whether they enjoy the class and helps us recommend the most suitable programme.
Where is Shin Gi Tai Martial Arts Academy in Basingstoke?
Our dedicated full-time academy is located at:
Shin Gi Tai Martial Arts Academy
Unit A, Daneshill Central
Armstrong Road
Basingstoke
Hampshire
RG24 8NU
We are close to Basingstoke’s ring road and easily reached from Chineham, Lychpit, Old Basing, Popley, Rooksdown and the town centre.
Parking is available directly in front of the academy, along the left-hand side of the building before the Hertz yard and on nearby roads.
Find out more about Children’s Martial Arts Classes in Basingstoke.
Whether you have questions about the classes, your child’s needs or whether Martial Arts is the right fit, we’re here to help. Complete the form below and one of our coaches will be in touch